Volleyball Position Preview: Liberos

OXFORD, Miss. – With excitement building for the first serve of Ole Miss volleyball's 2023 season, OleMissSports.com is back to take an in-depth look at the defensive specialists and liberos.

The Rebels' back row returns 90 percent of its digs from a season ago. A trio of Rebels in Cammy Niesen, Maggie Miller and Bailee Middleton anchor the defense and boast a wealth of experience.

Niesen wore the libero jersey in every match for the Rebels last season. As a freshman, she was one of three athletes on the team to play in every set. Niesen burst onto the scene, leading the team with 410 digs, including 21 matches in double figures. The Cincinnati, Ohio, product also received conference recognition last year, being named SEC Freshman of the Week and Defensive Player of the Week in back-to-back weeks.

Miller returns for her super senior season, choosing to take a fifth year of eligibility in a Rebel uniform. The Houston, Texas, native has appeared in nearly 70 matches in her career, including 26 last season. Miller ranked fourth on the team a year ago with 141 digs, giving her 369 in her career.

Middleton rounds out the position group with 17 matches played in her career. The Kansas City, Missouri, product is a steady passer who will provide the Rebels with depth.

First serve of the 2023 season officially takes place on August 25 at 3 p.m. CT as the Rebels open play at the FGCU Homewood Suites Invitational in Fort Myers, Florida, taking on St. John's.

Follow the Rebels on Twitter at @OleMissVB, Facebook at Ole Miss Volleyball, and on Instagram at @olemissvb.

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Players Mentioned

Bailee Middleton

Maggie Miller

Cammy Niesen

The University of Mississippi Athletics